​Argentina’s anti-England chants, explained: The history behind Falklands War song, lyrics and more originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Argentina and England have sparingly faced off with one another in recent decades. That hasn’t stopped Argentina supporters from making the English the subject of one of their favorite chants.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe soccer superpowers return to the field in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup, hoping to move one step closer to hoisting the famous trophy for themselves. When they take to the field, both sides will be greeted by a track that, among other things, honors Argentine sacrifice during the Falklands War.Here’s what you need to know about Argentina’s anti-England chant, a tune that has gotten some serious burn at this year’s World Cup.2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup ticketsArgentina matches tend to be soundtracked by a familiar hymn, one which laps over the Seleccion’s fanbase as they bounce up and down in the bleachers.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe tune celebrates Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, two titans of Argentine soccer. It also pays tribute to Las Malvinas — the Falkland Islands — an archipelago located 300 miles off the east of Argentina that has been under British rule since 1833.”Y ya lo ve, y ya lo ve,” the fans chant before reaching an emphatic crescendo. “El que no salta, Es un ingles!”At the heart of the incantation is anti-English sentiment. The track references the Falklands War, an armed conflict between Argentina’s military government and the United Kingdom that took place over 74 days in 1982. Argentina invaded the Falklands and South Georgia, another island under British sovereignty, sparking off the war.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe track — and the war that precipitated it — has proven memorable to the Argentine fanbase.”It’s part of the Argentine culture,” Argentine journalist Nicolas Rotnitzsky told BBC. “It’s like we are not them – we are us’. So we have to jump to prove that we are not one of them.”Like its fanbase, Argentina’s players have also shown a passion for the tune in recent years. After La Albiceleste bested Switzerland in extra time to advance to the semifinals, players joined in on their supporters’ Falklands-themed serenade on the pitch.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhen they disappeared into the locker room, the chant remained, dancing through the air as they bobbed back and forth in jubilation. Argentina’s official social media account proceeded to post a video of the celebration on X.While the song has undoubtedly political origins, supporters of the tune argue that it merely works to foster Argentine identity. Importantly, Rotnitzsky argues, the song is not about hate.Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul agreed, saying the chants are “very much about our heroes.””We have to un